Hey guys! Okay, so this chapter is the beginning of some significant changes in plot. I'm not going to tell you guys if its a temporary or permanent change, but I think its a necessary one. Once you read I'm sure you'll have a vague idea. I'll go into more detail next chapter :D

Enjoy!

Edward

Alice's call filled me with an instant regret. This was exactly the reason that I had been so hesitant to go on a trip like this, leave it to Nathan to make this difficult at the most inopportune time. We were heading toward Forks in second – but even at the speed I drove it took several hours to make it back. Thankfully Alice had kept me updated throughout the trip so that it was bearable. I could feel my body ease when Nathan walked into the room and glared at me with an animalistic fury.

"What the hell is going on?" He demanded.

"You tell me. Who was there when I was on the phone with you? I heard them but Alice couldn't see anyone near you."

After I admitted the source of my anxiety I shamelessly went to Nathan and pulled him into a tight hug hug. Even the heightened burning in my throat was a comfort, as if it worked as another sign that he was near me. To my surprise Nathan didn't pull back from the hug, but instead held me in an even tighter embrace. Despite his agitation he was instantly comfortable once we were reunited – it seems we have a similar affect on eachother.

"I don't know. They looked like they were from the reservation." He explained but his voice was muffled from leaning too deeply into my neck. His breath was like a fiery breeze tickling down my neck making it difficult for me to focus – but my eyes connected with both Alice and Jasper…their expressions similar to mine.

Why wouldn't I be able to see them?

"I have no idea." I whispered quietly enough that Nathan wouldn't be able to hear even in such a close proximity.

The only connection that I could draw to the reservation was Ephraim Black. During our last time in Forks when there had been shapeshifters he had been the leader so to speak. Before returning we had been diligent in our research and were certain that whatever gene gave them such an ability had died out. Old habits were the only thing that kept us from following the antiquated agreement between us and the werewolves.

It wasn't a reasonable explanation. But what other possibility was there? Nathan was under the impression that the changes, this coming into power, was disrupting Alice's visions. It was a possibility – she had no experience with his kind, it would be understandable that she would have trouble understanding something she wasn't attuned with. But as I felt Nathan in my arms nothing was different…it was hard to believe that he was going through some sort of evolution that would leave Alice blind.

"My turn for questions." He said – before pulling back from me.

"Lets sit down, you need to be tired."

Nathan shrugged, his memory replaying everything that had happened all day while I took mental notes of the faces of the two boys, neither of which I'd seen before today; an uncommon occurrence with a town the size of Forks.

I continued to act nonchalantly around Nathan, whom I was sure hadn't noticed my change of mood – even Alice seemed unaware. Jasper of course….Jasper would feel the aching pain that radiated from my heart while I contemplated my next course of action. Ever since Nathan and I had become acquainted he's been placed in a constant perilous danger that seemed to grow more potent each day.

What's wrong? Jasper asked but I ignore him, ushering Nathan to the couch and sat next to him.

How could I ignore the menacing feeling that ate at my stomach whenever I left Nathan alone. Even I put him in danger… and my family…although I'm sure they had all grown to care for him did not have infinite self control with the exception of Carlisle. How could I spare him from this seemingly inevitable fate?

There was one way…but I had already accepted that I could never leave Nathan. I was far too selfish to ever do that. And yet…it seemed to be the only way.

"Explain the boundary thing."

I sighed, for once wishing that I could be alone rather than with Nathan – I needed to come up with some solution.

"The first time we came to Forks there was a group of…wolves that realized what we were. It almost ended up in a war which was something that both wanted to avoid, so we ended up making an alliance….Boundaries were made with the Qileutes so we cannot drink human blood or turn any human. As long as we maintain these guidelines the wolves cannot tell the humans what we are or enter our own territory." I summarized.

Nathan's mouth turned into an 'O' shape while his memory replayed an image of something I recognized. The massive wolf could be no other than the same clan that we faced nearly nine decades ago.

"It can't be" I growled.

"Can you be sure its them?" This time from Carlisle who slipped into the room soundlessly – Nathan jumped at the sound. Carlisle was already considering our options. The wolves were only children and must have severely misinterpreted what Nathan was.

"Its them."

"We were sure the strain died with Ephraim Black…" Carlisle muttered to no one in particular.

"What happened?" Alice demanded. Her thoughts wreaked of frustration at blindness. I could relate to her agitation, it showed that both of us relied too heavily on our extra senses, even after all this time with Nathan it was maddening when he blocked me out. This was the first time Alice couldn't see something…and it was more than obvious she was uncomfortable the position.

"Two young wolves saw Nathan…They must have smelled him and got confused from his scent. Regardless - they don't understand that he's not a vampire. They just noticed not human, and with word of him spending time with us…They must have jumped to the wrong conclusion." My reasoning was the only option that seemed likely even though wished I was wrong, it would be incredibly difficult to convince the wolves that they had misunderstood…especially if they were so set on a fight.

Nathan held his hands up as Alice was about to speak.

"Wolves as in what? Werewolves?" He asked incredulously.

"Yes." Everyone said in unison before starting to discuss our next plans.

"We need to go speak with them before they make any more hasty decisions…Do you know how many there are?"

"Atleast two."

"How did you manage to outrun them?" Carlisle asked Nathan, envisioning the monstrous wolves chasing after Nathan ran through his head as it had mine…Just thinking of it made me feel uncomfortable but also mildly curious…After watching the memory of what occurred, Nathan was definitely running at an inhuman speed. Just judging from his perception it was probably around 28 miles per hour. Not as fast as our kind…but more than we had expected he was capable of.

"Its complicated…" Nathan muttered, looking down embarrassed.

Carlisle looked to me and I sighed "The changes are more significant than you let on"

"I don't think that's it." Nathan corrected me.

"What then?"

I don't know, but for some reason I don't think that can be it. Coming into your own has never been something like puberty…it doesn't happen just because I'm 'growing up.' All of these changes are way too significant in too short of a time.…I might think it is kind of like 'mind over matter.'

"Explain" I requested as I could. Even though I could process a dozen things at once there seemed to be too many things requiring my attention. I couldn't fight the urge to take Nathan away somewhere that would be entirely safe…although I was beginning to suspect there was no where safe to go.

As long as I was around.

I considered his theory…there was some reason to it – but overall irrelevant to the crisis at hand.

"You may be right…" I nodded before turning my attention back to Carlisle.

"All of us will need to go to the border then." Emmett mused before turning to Nathan "this is awesome dude, if I knew they would have done this I would have gotten you go to the qileutes months ago!"

"Shut up, Emmett." I growled looking at Nathan retreat further into a dark place realizing that he had put us all in danger.

I ruin everything Nathan pouted in the couch

"This isn't your fault Nate." Jasper reminded him and started to ease his emotions, Nathan ignored Jasper while he was lost in thought. I went to him and brought my arm around his shoulder and clung to him tight, placing the smallest kiss on his cheek before continuing the conversation.

"I'll stay with Nathan."

There was no way I could possibly leave him unguarded when the wolves were sure to center their plans around our home if they were to attack.

"We need you there Edward in case they are planning an attack."

"Impossible. We can't leave Nathan here unguarded."

"Let Esme stay with him then." Rose suggested

"That isn't enough…" I growled

"Have a care Edward…they aren't even after him." Alice warned.

"What if I come with you guys? If all of this is about me going past some sort of boundary, they'll realize that I'm not a Vampire once you explain it to them right?"

"I think that would be effective…" Carlisle mused – but looked toward me awaiting my reaction.

That was simply not an option. I was trying to protect Nathan, bringing him to the center of the conflict was not going to happen. Did they want to use him as some sort of bait? I could feel my jaw set in a strict line as my teeth grinded together in a frustrated display.

"No." I demanded through gritted teeth.

"He will be safest surrounded by all of us Edward, this will also unlikely lead to a fight."

Nathan stood up with a new found enthusiasm, grinning at everyone. "I'm going." He said with complete confidence.

"No, you are not." I commanded in a tone that I knew would end the conversation.

Nathan leaned in and glared at me rebelliously. Typically I found his adolescent stubbornness an endearing, even cute trait. Right now I was furious at his unwillingness to agree when my only intention was keep him safe. Why couldn't Nathan see that? Why couldn't he ease my worries?

"You're going to have to physically force me on this couch if you expect me to stay." He threatened

"That can be arranged." I growled, watching his smile falter under my murderous tone.

"Traitor" Nathan hissed.

"Stop being so dramatic, they'll be gone less than thirty minutes." Alice sought to comfort him
"Do you know for sure?"

"No." She admitted, her voice filled with chagrin.

Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie and I all ran as fast as we could toward the border of the Qileute reservation. We were nearly sure that such a show of force was unnecessary but we were doing exactly that – we had to give these werewolves a show. Just like last time we would have the advantage of numbers over the wolves.

But these were young shapeshifters…They are ruled by their emotions and prone to make rash decisions. Just like this one. Foolish. Idiotic. Naïve. Had these wolves threatened the mate of any other coven in the world they would have just ensured their own deaths. Luckily for them my entire family were pacifists, and none of us wanted a fight…except for maybe Emmett. Actually…thinking of the way they'd threatened Nathan – I wouldn't mind a fight either.

There were several causes for concern. Alice's inability to see anything when the wolves were involved made us all uneasy. We were all so spoiled by her constant predictions of the future that we felt inordinately uncomfortable at the thought of an unclear outcome. Whenever the wolves were involved Alice's visions seemed to fade away, if she saw anything at all it was 'blurry.' She the same word the day that Nathan arrived at school…

"It'll be over quick." Emmett grinned.

We all nodded in agreement even though none of us were particularly excited about the thought of fighting with these young wolves. We ran so fast it only took minutes to reach the border between our territory and theirs. I had been so naïve to think there was no danger in Forks, danger seemed to follow Nathan wherever he went, how had he managed to stay out of trouble during his time in a big city like Hong Kong.

And then I remembered the reason he stayed out of trouble in Hong Kong. Because I wasn't there. Nathan wasn't the magnet for trouble, I was. Every inch of me ached with guilt and worry when I thought about the future, and how could I have ever expected this to work? The perpetual burning in my throat whenever I was near him had dulled since our first encounter, but it served as a constant reminder we lived in two very different worlds..

I fought to ignore the emotions that felt like they were trying to claw their way out of my impenetrable skin once we entered the valley at the border.

"What now?" Rose asked, clenching her nose at the thick wolf smell.

"They should be here soon enough, if they really did revoke the treaty they'll be patrolling the boundary." Jasper added.

First it was the smell, it reminded me of taking a strong whiff of ammonia…my nostrils burned immediately at the scent of the wolves. Soon after all of us stiffened at the sound of paws furiously treading through the forest at a speed no natural mammal could produce. One…two…six wolves? I counted over and over in disbelief, it seemed impossible that one wolf could get passed our family unnoticed let alone six of them. This time we didn't have the advantage of numbers – it was dead even. They were just children…I reassured myself.

Everyone shared a look of apprehension when they noticed just how many wolves were charging in our direction.

Follow the boundary south Embry

No way! I want at the bloodsuckers too.

This may not be a fight, they haven't advanced past the line. They want to talk.

Dude screw talking Sam! You saw it, that kid wasn't human. See how fast he ran?

A smile of victory danced across my face once I realized these were the wolves thoughts that played in my head.

South, Embry. Quil and Jake stay with me, I'm going to have to shift to talk to the leeches.

I heard something very similar to a growl but guessed that it was a canine version of a growl. The wolves were thinking as a single unit, despite our ire circumstances I hide my interest at this phenomenon. It made perfect sense, but the last time we had come to Forks I never experienced such a mystery…Perhaps this only happened when they were wolves, how else would they communicate with one another and act as a single unit with no verbal capabilities?

"They're going to talk." I grinned

"How…" Emmett started to form a question but trailed off realizing what must have happened.

How did that one know our plan?

It doesn't matter. Just stay focused.

The sounds grew closer and closer until we were confronted with two gargantuan wolves. Each were easily the size of a large horse, their hair was dangling in an array of knots, I couldn't help but notice the striking difference between all of their coats, one had almost a beige orange tone while the other was a stark black in contrast. Inbetween them stood Sam Uley – so this one was willing to give up his indentity in order to maintain peace, atleast in their minds…They had no idea I was hearing their each and every thought.

Sam stood taller than us and had a very demanding physical presence akin to Emmett, but it wasn't Emmett who walked the couple of paces forward but Carlisle. He walked in a very careful stride past the boundary, it appeared as though he may have attempted to shake hands with the wolf but he knew better than to make such a mistake.

"We came here to speak with you civilly, we believe there has been a large misunderstanding.

He's full of shit dude! We should just rip them apart.

Yea!

Guys shut up I can't pay attention to what they're saying.

"You all are quite certain what the treaty entails - just because you've returned doesn't mean it isn't still in effect." Sam said, crossing his arms on his bare chest.

"Of course of course…We have been quite careful not to cross the line, and as always we maintain the same lifestyle. The misunderstanding is regards to Nathan…For some reason it seems as though your is under the impression he's a vampire?"

Carlisle smiled with humor in his eyes. Surely these wolves could tell the difference in his skin, scent, hell…his heart is beating.

"No human could escape from us like that."

"I assure you Nathan is not a vampire. Did they smell him? I'm not certain of your kind's hearing capabilities, but could they hear his heart beating? Nate is most definitely alive…and not amongst the undead."

Oh. Shit.

I watched as they replayed the memory, noting the sound of Nathan's heart beating at a heightened rate…probably because of my sudden warning. I could hear myself from their memories…I had sounded like a wreck, how awful of me to make things even worse for him…

You idiot! What the hell were you thinking?

You're positive they were alive?

Of course he was! Listen to the heartbeat!
He didn't smell anything like them either

He smelled kind of good actually…

One of the wolves panted in Sam's direction, I followed Sam's thoughts closely. It appears that the bond they shared was only in the middle of wolf form. He was furious at this mistake…but the memory continued to play through his mind. He wasn't convinced that Nathan was human but couldn't avoid the facts. But that the treaty didn't really matter as long as it wasn't a vampire crossing their grounds.

"He wasn't human." Sam spat out.

"He's not a vampire is all that matters – Nathan is human, but the argument is frivolous. None of us crossed into your territory."

I pointed out the obvious, earning a glare from not only Sam, but the two wolves we could see. The rest were encircling us wishing they could join in. They were so young…so eager to fight. It was clear that this wouldn't lead to a fight unless they were truly eager for a suicide mission

Sam sighed "We'll be in touch, I'm glad this was all a misunderstanding. I would warn whoever – whatever that guy is to stay off of Quileute land." He didn't sound like he was glad at all.

"We'll relay the message – Although he is not bound to any such treaty so we can only warn him.

"He'd do well to heed the warning."

A low growl was building up from my throat that I had to fight with each new word. Now all I wanted was to break this treaty and rip his head off, I'd enjoy his pain knowing that Nathan would no longer have anything to fear. Not that he seemed afraid anyway… And with that Sam shifted into a wolf larger than the rest, the wolf's presense resonated with something…commanding.

We're done here. Quil keep on patrolling the border in case they go back on their word. I don't trust whatever the hell that guy was

"Lets go." Jasper put his hand on my shoulder and I could feel the tension slowly leaking from my body, he must have noticed my murderous intentions a few seconds ago…

"Yea."

We doubled-back towards the house where Alice and Nathan were waiting for us – and just as predicted – there had been no trouble. This did ensure that the treaty between our two families was still existent…but my entire family could feel it dangling by just a thread. The wolves were terrified of Nathan, he was something that wasn't in their education, they probably assumed, just like we had, that the things in fairy tales were limited to vampires and werewolves.

It wasn't long before we were back to the house, once it was in sight I could see Nathan sitting on the sofa and impatiently flipping through channels on the television.

Nathan practically ran at me once he noticed I was in the room, I could hear the relief clear in his voice as he muttered "Edward" in an inaudible whisper before taking me in a huge that would certainly break a human's ribs. He clung to me and I took him in willingly, rubbing his until his breathing cooled down.

I was so worried…if something happened to you because of me.

"Shh…its okay. Nothing happened."

"I know"

"He was watching the whole thing." Alice added sourly.

Edward, I love you so much.

"I love you too…More than you will ever know." I added – trying to keep my voice as even as possible.

"What do you mean Alice?" Jasper asked

"He saw it. Gave me a play-by-play of what was going on." She sighed. "I feel so blind with the werewolves.

I held Nathan and tried to comfort him, the heat of his body played across my own, I closed my eyes and took in the sensation. It was clear that I would never forget Nathan for the rest of my existence, the changes that he's provoked in me are beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Visually he would always remain the same to me – even the scent of faint jasmine that radiated off of him like a meadow made the fire in my throat feel sublime. Everything felt intensified because of my decision.

I would have to leave Nathan and never come back. He would see me again. As long as we remained in contact he was in a constant state of danger. The pain that this epiphany erupted in me made the thirst seem tame at its worst… I was so certain that leaving him was an impossibility…that I didn't have enough strength to disappear even though it wasn't in his best interest. Only with the knowledge that once I was gone…he would be safe…. he would move on… made it bearable. That was the only thing keeping me from crumbling when he looked at me with his eyes that could see through me unlike anyone else.

"You're tense" He whispered; but there was meaning behind it.

I forced a smile and was certain he would believe it – I kissed him lightly on the forehead and disheveled his hair – "Just glad that this is resolved."

Nathan nodded but he didn't believe me, the doubts were clear in his head now that he was having trouble hiding them from me. Would I be able to handle hearing his thoughts when I left? Or would I just disappear?

No…He would find us.

I would have to hurt him…

Leave it to Alice – the second my decision became a tangible entity she saw exactly what was going to happen. Both Alice and Jasper tensed up for different reasons, Jasper could feel that both of us were now in a deep state of depression…I could feel the sadness building up in her after the vision subsided.

"Edward…" She whispered so quietly Nathan would never hear us.

"Not now."

"You can't…."

I ignored Alice and her thoughts and pulled away from Nathan just slightly so I could look down into his face. He had a bewildered expression before he looked up to me. I watched him slowly turn expressionless and his eyes glaze over while he was lost in a fantasy that involved the two of us. It was adorable and made me want to smile and kiss him…but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I grinned slightly, it felt forced even to me.

"I should take you home. Your Aunt is going to be home soon."

He sighed and considered his options "I guess you're right. Let me go get my jacket."

Nathan winked and smiled at me before he ran off. I made no movement and focused my attention onto Alice.

Guess he just didn't see. He thought.

Alice was right in front of me with wild eyes the second he left the room, her expression was furious. She was so tiny, nearly a foot shorter than me and as cuter than any porcelain doll could dream but she looked absolutely menacing up at me.

"What exactly do you expect to accomplish from this Edward? No one is going to benefit. You're going to kill both you and him."

"This isn't something I'm discussing Alice."


"Oh you will discuss it. This affects all of us, and even though you seem to have some sort of delusion that you have Nate's best interest in mind, you're wrong.."

I sighed "Its only a matter of time before his luck runs out."

"And Eliziah's warning? Have you considered that?"

The conversation with Nathan's mother repeated in my head.

Its called fading. After a certain point being immortal can be more of a punishment than a blessing…I know you understand what I mean. But once a Sidhe has absolutely no desire to live – they feel as though they served their purpose and want nothing more to depart this world they do. It was as if they never existed…We go back into the earth and wait to be reborn."

If I may be so bold – Why does this story pertain to me?

It will make sense eventually.

\ She knew that I would end up leaving Nathan for what I believed to be his own safety. Even if Nathan could fade away I knew he wouldn't. He was almost 18 years old…still a child. He had so much time ahead of him, he would find numerous lovers, or perhaps move on to marry someone he loved. Nathan had the opportunity to have children… to have a life that didn't include an isolated and nomadic existence.

Nathan would forget about me with time…just the thought of him moving on felt absolutely unbearable, an unnatural heat touched my face and I knew there would be tears if my body was capable of such a function.

"He will move on." I said, tactlessly loud.

"Move on from what?" Nathan asked with a black quilted jacket that he must have gotten out of the cabinet in my room, I didn't even know if it was his or mine – I'd never seen it before.

I haven't seen Alice so upset over something in…I don't think she's ever been so distraught since we met. Her thoughts were thick with accusations of betrayal while she looked at Nathan, and realized how much she would miss him.

"I thought the wolves would have moved on by now." I lied effortlessly.

"Ah. We're still going to Seattle tomorrow, Alice?" Nathan asked while taking my hand in his unknowingly before we head out.

"Maybe. I'll let you know tomorrow, we should be careful now that the wolves are officially on edge."

Nathan furrowed his brow in frustration.

This is so stupid. Nothing is going to happen.

"Aren't you overreacting just a little bit?" Crossing his arms in agitation.

"I'm not the one that's prone to making a big deal out of nothing." Alice said before moving at a speed that would make it seem like she just disappeared to human eyes.

Nathan looked at me confused "What was that all about?"

"We just got into a small roe, lets get you back, its getting late."

The ride home was a quiet one – I was so preoccupied in my own dilemma that I couldn't even pay attention to Nathan's increasing concern.

He's acting weird.

I ignored his speculations…I was in no state to humor such questions. Continuing this lie was nearly as unbearable as the act itself. In such a short period of time I'd become completely committed to this selfless act. A part of me would die in the process…the only part of me that actually enjoyed this life. The emotion would always be there as a reminder for the best days of my entire existence…

Perhaps I could watch him from afar, be a protector to ensure that his life ran smoothly, that was the least that I could do for him. Nathan was going to be devastated by this…I had who sworn never to hurt him would end up inflicting the most pain in the end, but atleast he would have after the pain. His misery would subside and he would find a replacement…a warm and loving replacement. Someone that didn't dream of murdering him every minute of the day.

Alice was going to tell everyone about my decision while I drove him home, so atleast the initial confession would be dealt with. I couldn't guess how my family would react…Rose didn't want to leave Forks just yet, they didn't want to start over. They were about the age to re-enter university which I knew was Emmett and Rose's favorite age to emulate. My family would leave for me once they could fully understand the extreme importance of the situation, we were leaving for Nathan's well being. And on my priorities his safety meant so much more than my happiness.

Esme would be resistant, she's been glowing the past months I've been with Nathan. Carlisle and Jasper as well, but in the end they would agree…I was sure of it.

Nathan would not stay in Forks long after our disappearance, he had no reason to reside in such a useless place like this. He may disagree with me, but I know most of his attachments to the humans here are superficial at best – in truth – my family and I are the only reason he's stayed here this long. He would continue his life and succeed in whatever he set his mind to. Nathan didn't need the plethora of connections at a disposal…people like him were destined for greater things than the nomadic I offered. He pretended like he didn't have plans or ambitions, but he would be giving up so much to be with me.

If I wasn't consumed by angst I would have probably smiled – but I felt my lips turn into an even more rigid line and my jaw set as I was reminded of the act I was about to commit.

"You're being distant."

We were nearly to his house…I needed to get him out of the car now, I didn't need to watch the odometer to tell we were going atleast 80 miles per hour on the country roads.

"I don't know what you mean." I lied.

"Why are you lyin?" He asked – I refused to look into his eyes where I knew agitation would be clear in them. The second I looked into his eyes I would question my decision.

"I'm not."

He sighed and leaned further into his seat "Are you coming over tonight?" Nathan asked as if he already knew the answer.

"Tonight isn't a good night…" I whispered.

Nathan looked cross while he glared outside the window "I don't know what the hell is going on. But I'm going to know before the night is over, since apparently honesty is too much to ask."

As much as his irritation hurt me…. But if he was upset with me…even better…if he hated me it would make this process much easier for him. Hopefully the hate would be potent enough that he would find someone else.

If this is what I wanted, why did it cause so much pain?

He was right though…his visions were slowly growing more accurate. If he couldn't find it while awake he was confident the answer would come to him in the middle of the night…It was a risk that I had no choice but to take, we would have to disappear tomorrow, every minute that we were here I chanced him finding the truth.

We pulled into his drive and sat there in a prolonged silence until I looked into his eyes and immediately regretted my decision. Nathan glared at me with blinding intensity that made me abhor myself even more…I was grateful that his thoughts were still shielded from me because I don't think I could handle whatever acidic thoughts were racing through him.

"Call me when you respect me enough to tell the truth." He hissed and stormed out of my car and stalked toward his door slamming it without looking back. Nathan seemed to forget that his thought's weren't as well protected once he entered the house and dropped his shields.

What is he thinking hiding whatever happened? If this is about the wolves its just stupid – I don't even get it. I tell him the truth about everything but he continues to keep me in the dark.

Nathan began to focus on me and my family once he entered his room and appropriately slammed the door. It was only a matter of time before he found out. I could hear the my tires screech as I slid out of Nathan's house; the Volvo's engine roaring in protest.